normrinks

What are these horror fans out there thinking? Especially in in way down under? Guys, this ain't a horror flick, alright? It's an art film, a personal journey. I know some people who - like me - really enjoyed this film, but it's made for an intellectual art house crowd, not for horror fans. I guess the big mistake the producers made was to market this as a horror film, that way they got the wrong people viewing it. I've seen those things happen over and over again, especially from Lionsgate in the U.S., they go ahead and create a gigantic horror campaign only to disappoint and anger horror fans, why they keep doing this is beyond me. Anyway, I really liked this movie, I found it inspiring and engrossing and different and very, very personal. And I think Ken Foree did one hell of a job! This is his best role and his best performance ever. And it is Lommel's best film in many years, so stop beating up on this film and check it out again, alright?

I saw this film as part of a retrospective of Ulli Lommel films in Munch, Germany, back in December of 2009. I do not care much for his recent horror flicks, but this film deserves attention and acclaim. As one can see, it polarizes, lots of 9s and 10s and lots of 1-ratings. Wow! Seldom has there been a director who is that controversial. I enjoyed the camera work and the acting and the song and dance numbers, my favorite one is THE SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE, where Lommel takes a swing at the Reagan area born again Christians in America and their double standards in morals and ethics. It's a very political movie for me, yet highly entertaining. Made back in 1984, it has almost vanished. Someone should remaster this film and do a new release on DVD or put it back in the theatres where it belongs. This has the potential of becoming a cult hit like ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, I mean it. It's almost a master piece.

I recently discovered this film at a Lommel retrospective in Munich, Germany, and was delighted! When you watch this film made in 1970, you must wonder whether Fassbinder imitated Lommel or vice versa. Maybe they both learned from each other. HAYTABO is very poetic and spiritual and the images are beautiful, with an incredible musical score. And French icon Eddie Constantine in the lead is a real treat. Shot mostly in Bavaria in the winter. it takes the viewer to breath taking locations. My favorite scene is when Eddie C. meets a teacher in the middle of nowhere and the guy starts conducting an invisible orchestra. Totally surreal and convincing at the same time. This is movie making the way it ought to be: Searching, risking, and finding treasures in the course of it. Real treasures. I couldn't stop thinking about this film for days. It even haunted me in my dreams, but in a pleasant way. Highly recommendable to everyone who wants to embark on a journey of discovery.